South Stream projects have opponents in Serbia and abroad - Srbijagaz director

BELGRADE, April 2 (Itar-Tass) - The construction of the South Stream gas pipeline has many opponents in Serbia and abroad, Dusan Bajatovic, the general director of the Srbijagaz Company, told journalists on Tuesday.

“It’s absolutely clear that South Stream is not to the liking of some representatives of international circles and also to some people in Serbia who are members of certain lobby groups,” Bajatovic emphasized.

The Srbijagaz chief also commented on some Serb media reports that during his recent visit to Serbia Gazprom Chief Alexei Miller said that some representatives of the Serbian authorities were trying to hinder the South Stream’s implementation.

"There have been many speculations about the gas pipeline. But today it’s absolutely clear that those who claimed that the South Stream had no future are wrong. The project is being implemented according to deadlines set and agreed by Srbijagaz and Gazprom,” Bajatovic emphasized.

“Serbia needs this gas pipeline because it will help diversifying energy sources and will ensure Serbia’s energy security in a long-term perspective,” Bajatovic said.

Srbijagaz is Russian Gazprom’s main partner in building the South Stream gas pipeline in the territory of Serbia. In November 2009, Srbijagaz and Gazprom registered a joint company South Stream Serbia AG that will supervise the South Stream’s construction. Gazprom and Srbijagaz own 51% and 49% of shares in South Stream Serbia AG, respectively.